McIlroy and Woods put in the shade

After the euphoria of the Ryder Cup, Rory McIlroy had the victory rug unceremoniously dragged from under him on the opening day of the Turkish Airlines World Golf final in Belek.

McIlroy imploded on the Sultan course at the Antalya Golf Club completing the closing four holes in seven over par to lose by six shots to American rival Matt Kuchar.

Kuchar, looking tanned and refreshed from a family holiday in the Greek Isles, carded a one under par 70 compared to a well out-of-sorts world number one who signed for a 76. McIlroy, who had been in constant conversation with girlfriend Caroline Wozinacki between holes, was left virtually speechless after ending his opening round with a triple bogey, double bogey, double bogey and par.